Epitome Of A Western Hero In Lethal Weapon

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In 1987, when Lethal Weapon was first released, the western genre was on a decline, yet their influence on the film industry remained. The screenwriter for Lethal Weapon, Shane Black, claimed, “What I was looking to do at that time was write an urban western.” That in mind, Lethal Weapon shows many characteristics common to Westerns. It has an emphasis on scenery, upholding the law, and powerful, can-do-anything protagonists. Lethal Weapon most importantly displays attributes in Riggs similar to classic Western heroes. The epitome of a Western hero is Shane. Martin Riggs is the embodiment of Shane’s character in a semi-modern setting. He is able to complete seemingly impossible physical tasks with ease, he embodies the mysterious newcomer trope, he must utilize his dark past for good, and by the end of the first movie, he evolves his principles of honor and integrity to have the same values on life as Shane.
Shane is a classic western character. He is the origin of the often portrayed protagonist who overcomes daunting tasks with an expert display of physical skills. 50 years later in Lethal Weapon, Martin Riggs personifies Shane’s …show more content…

ROGER MURTAUGH: Well don't do me no favors!
While Riggs may have started as a remorseless killer, he evolves as the movie progresses. By the end of the first movie, he starts to embody the same virtues as Shane. During the final fight, when Riggs has Joshua pinned in a chokehold, he has the opportunity to kill him. Joshua had been one of the main antagonists throughout the whole movie and had Riggs tortured. Riggs claimed he would Make Joshua pay for what he’s done, but when he has the chance to kill him he chooses not to and says, “It’s not worth it.” He does not think it is worth killing Joshua even after he had him tortured.
Martin Riggs represents what Shane would have been like before the met the Starretts and comes to share the same values as Shane when he does meet the

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